Semi Winterizing Question

[GodsBeast]

For those that don't know, I have a 2003 350 Mag I/O in a Aluminum Engine Compartment, or Center Pontoon of a Tritoon. <br /><br />I am posting this same question on different boards to get different views and comments. Here in La. we can usually boat at least 1 day out of each month, all year long. I do have the 1 knob, winterizing system on my new motor. We have only short sperts of a few days of cold freezing weather. I've been told, some put a work light, and a light bulb into the engine compartment, to generate just enough heat to keep any water, that may be left in the motor, from freezing. I also park with a full tank of fuel w/stabalizer, that I add in the Winter months. Looking for opinions and suggestions, to a safe, and not terribly expensive way of preventing freeze damage for just a few nights a year, that the temp. may drop. <br /><br />I have also been told to lower my outdrive, let drain, and was told it should not freeze doing this, but I also have an idea to lower, let drain, and wrap it with an electric blanket, to ensure on a cold night? I welcome any feedback on weather this is a good idea, or unnecessary. <br /><br />Back to the Engine Compartment, other than the Light bulb, I have also had a heater blower, (spark protected and approved) suggested, but it is permanetly mounted, and I feel that it would be in the way, when not needed, as well as more weight, and kinda pricey! I guess I could get over the pricey, if necessary and just lower it, as needed on the cold nights, just as I would the work light! <br /><br />Again, fully Winterizing, after a trip once a month in the winter months, seems an over-kill and a big hassle, for just a few cold nights. I welcome any tips, and suggestions to this Semi Winterizing Situation.

 

[Jason Adam]

Re: Semi Winterizing Question

I would stay away from electric blankets period, especially outside. As long as there is no water in your lower unit fluid, you should not have a problem. The worklight in the engine compartment is fine.<br /><br />Read this: http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=52094

 

[bob58]

Re: Semi Winterizing Question

I have used light bulbs for years in my engine compartment on both the 21' and the 26' with no problems. I do oopen the block drains and the manifold plugs also. I have never had a problem doing this and it gets cold here! (I live in Washington state) Never worried about outdrives as they are self draining as long as you are sure the oil in the lower unit is water free and it is in the lowered position. Best thing to do is drain and replace the oil for your storage.<br />On my thirty footer I used a ceramic portable heater as it was twin inboards and had generator water heater ac etc. etc. etc.

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: Semi Winterizing Question

Thanks Jason, that thread is enough for me! NO Electric Blanket on Outdrive, or Engine! <br /><br />Many people say the Light is fine, so I will try that. My engine compartment is Aluminum, being in the rear of the center Pontoon of my boat, but it is a tight compartment, and should hold enough heat in.<br /><br />Still Learning, I welcome and appreciate your input. That is just it, I don't plan to put this one in Storage, it might be freezing one weekend, and the next might be a decent fishing weekend! I do plan to change oil, filters, and Lower unit Lube, every 100 hours, as prescribed, and will keep an eye on water in the Outdrive gear lube!

 

[merc 140 pontoon]

Re: Semi Winterizing Question

Sounds like the boat is on a trailer at your home, so you can visually check that the light is on from inside your house? If you only use one light bulb, what happens when it burns out in the middle of the night? I've heard of people using two lower-wattage bulbs, even plugging them into different circuits. I've heard other people say they'd never put a light bulb (ignition source if broken) in a bilge.<br /><br />Some people claim that if you drain the block and manifolds, like Still_Learning mentions above, that you don't have to worry about heating anything, even in a cold climate. I personally winterize with propylene glycol, but here in Wisconsin it freezes hard and long.<br /><br />Steve

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: Semi Winterizing Question

Hey Merc 140 Pontoon, In the winer months, I do plan to park, lower outdrive and drain, when parking, each time. Then just putting the light bulb in for insurance, with a protective steel housing, lowering gently and plugging in after placing in the engine compartment. <br /><br />At this point, I have just talked to too many folks in this area, that says with my system, Winterizing like those up North have too, is just an overkill, here. To put Antifreeze in, then maybe take out for a day, come back in and repeat the process, would just be too much, and I want to enjoy the boat, when weather permits.<br /><br />I do appreciate the input, tips and suggestions though, this is my first boat, and I just wanted as many opinions as possible to decide. As of now, this is my plan.

 

[andrewgroup]

Re: Semi Winterizing Question

HOOK up the motor on Muffs and bring up to operating temp on the trailer. Then with a a $3.00 baby swimming pool, keep 5 gallons of 50/50 R/V antifreeze in a 5 gallon pale with a lid. Have portable submersible sump pump with a 4 foot hose attached to the MUFFs. Pour the antifreeze into the swimming pool while it is under the outdrive and the drain plug. Put the sump pump in the pool..(I use a GFI extension cord)<br /><br />Start the pump the motor and let it come back up to operating temperature. Shut it down...<br /><br />Use the sump pump to pump the antifreeze back into the 5 gallon pale... Voila'<br /><br />It will not freeze.....and it's ready for the next trip out..<br /><br />30 minutes MAX, and you always know it's ready to go and you can do this when you know certain colder weather patterns are coming your way.